Can opener

Abstract

A can opener includes a body with a handle, a traction wheel rotatably mounted on the body, an operating element for turning the traction wheel, and a cutter. The cutter is moveable between an inoperative position for receiving a rim of a can between the traction wheel and cutter, and an operative position for engaging said rim of the can between the traction wheel and cutter. A cam with a lobe engages the cutter and moves it between the inoperative and operative positions. The cam is operated by a lever.

Description

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION1. Field of the InventionThe invention relates to manually operable can openers, and in particular to can openers of the laterally-cutting type2. Background InformationManually operable can openers have been known for many years and may be broadly categorised into three types: a first type having a cutter blade which cuts directly into the top wall of a can, a second type having a cutter blade which cuts into the side wall of the can below the rim, and a third type having a cutter blade which cuts partially into the rim of the can.The second and third types can be collectively referred to as laterally-cutting types, which are used to remove the end of a can at or below the can rim. Applicant's earlier patents GB 2334939 and GB 2341378 (and corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,613), the contents of which are considered included as if explicitly set forth herein, describe a can opener that is of this laterally-cutting type.A typical laterally-cutting type can o...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Two problems with the above can opener are that the best position for holding the handles together is often not the most comfortable position for using the opener, and it can be difficult for persons with a weak grip to squeeze the handles together with sufficient force during operation of the can opener to properly engage the can rim between the cutter and traction wheel.

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